What do carers need? By Tracey Laverick

I recently participated in a FoCCuS4HEART survey for female carers.

It has prompted this blog as the survey really made me think about what it is that I believe carers, regardless of gender, need.

Here’s a list of a supports which I’ve needed, there are many, and can change depending on the day.

1. Mental health support

Via Telehealth, video conference or face to face.

I’m lucky, I have a fantastic psychologist with whom I connected with on the first attempt.

Kris helps me put balance in my life when I need it. I’m comforted knowing that I have that external support when needed.

2. Physical health support

I’d love to have a gym membership – but not just to any gym, one that knows me and can work with what will fit - for me.


One of my fittest times was when I was a member of a gym doing small group sessions. Regular guided exercise really helped me to feel strong and fit. My trainer knew what I was able to do and focused on strength training for me.


Financially I needed to think about what I could commit too as I had increased work hours.


The reality for us that Mark lives at home because I have the strength to help lift him into bed, into the car and to lift his wheelchair. The day I can’t do that I will need to rethink what care I can give Mark at home


3. Time out


As a carer you are often last on the list of priorities.
I have over a decade of caring experience and have learned that “me time” must be a priority. I am fortunate to have a great team who supports me when I have time out, and people who I can either stay with, or travel with, to enjoy that time.

Mental and physical health support and time out are vital for a carer but can’t be done unless you have a support team.

• Time out is no good without knowing that your loved one is being cared for while you are taking a moment.

• Gym access is no good without someone caring for your loved one while you are at the gym – even a home session needs time.

• Mental health can’t be attended to if you are spending the entire session wondering if your loved one is ok.

I’m one of the fortunate ones, if that is what you like to call it, I can have time out and look after my mental health.

As a carer what do you think would be helpful? What do you do that helps you?

Here is a link to the survey I took part in.

Researchers from the University of Newcastle are conducting the FoCCuS4HEART project, which seeks to work with informal female carers of stroke survivors to develop strategies and tools to support carers to self-manage their emotional and physical health. If you’re a woman who provides care or has provided care to someone who has had a stroke, you can help by sharing your experiences in the survey.